Bachelor of Music BMus

Expand your musical technique and understanding within your choice of creative practice in classical, jazz, composition, or popular music specialisation, or in your music studies specialisation at New Zealand’s largest tertiary music school.

Programme overview

In the BMus you’ll learn to both preserve the past and nurture progress as you focus on your chosen discipline and prepare to enter a changing music industry. You’ll learn from some of the finest instrument teachers in the country, as well as recognised music historians and composers. Our partnerships with industry organisations will give you contact with leading local and international musicians.

Through your involvement in our many small and large ensembles, tutorials and studio classes, you’ll develop strong collaborative skills and grow your confidence.

You can study music alongside another discipline as part of a conjoint degree in Arts, Commerce, Advanced Science, Design, Engineering, Global Studies, Law or Science.

Programme structure

While each specialisation differs slightly, in the first year you will undertake a cross-genre music theory course, one in contemporary music culture, and a selection of other courses within your specialisation. Two General Education courses will give you the chance to supplement your studies with a topic of your choice.

In second year and beyond, you continue to develop within your specialisation and and you can explore areas of personal interest in complementary fields such as sonic arts, music education, production, and history.

More information regarding the programme structure can be found on the specialisation pages:

You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.

You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.

Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Transfer of Credit - You can apply for transfer of credit for tertiary courses completed elsewhere as part of your Application for Admission. If you have completed study at another New Zealand University, get an estimate of the transfer credit you may be eligible for, using our Transfer Credit Calculator.

If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.

If you are under 20, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for discretionary entrance.

If you can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and maturity, we offer admission to applicants under 16.

My highest qualification is from this country:

Select a country

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.

General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects with at least an ABB grade. General Studies or similar general papers cannot be included.

Minimum grade, subject and other requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place. Your GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included. Your CIE score (rank score) will be calculated based on your AS and A Level results.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

You must have completed one semester of successful bachelors degree study from a New Zealand tertiary institution, or one year of successful study as part of an acceptable sub-degree qualification from a New Zealand tertiary institution.

Further requirements

Selection into the BMus programme will be based on your academic history and, for some music specialisations, on the strength of your audition or portfolio. (A specialisation in Composition or Music Studies has no audition or portfolio requirements).

View the audition or portfolio requirements for the following specialisations:

Other pathways to study

If you have an offer of place from us that is conditional on meeting English language requirements, you may be considered for English Pathway courses from the University of Auckland English Language Academy (ELA)

If you are 20 on or before the first day of semester, have no formal University Entrance (UE) qualification, and are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident you can apply for special admission.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Bachelor of Music cost per year?

2020 fees

Domestic students

NZ$6,242.40 – $7,200*

International students

NZ$36,437*

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $7.86 per point, estimated at $943.20 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Key dates

Application closing dates for 2021 will be updated in August.

Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

As a graduate you’ll have the skills and expertise to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in New Zealand and overseas. Building a career on stage is a common goal, but the music industry runs on more than performers and composers. There is a collection of people who keep the industry moving, such as writers, managers, producers and teachers.